Types of Pediatric Therapists

Pediatric therapists provide therapy services for children. Therapy helps children with neurological challenges, developmental delays and disorders or syndromes that affect development. Pediatric therapy includes physical therapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.

Physical Therapy

• Pediatric physical therapy assists children by enhancing and developing mobility to prepare them for safe participation in home, community and classroom activities. Children sometimes develop illnesses or injuries to cause improper function in muscles, posture or body alignment. According to the Pediatric Therapy Network, physical therapy motivates or assists in crawling, running, walking and playing games. This therapy also develops wheelchair positioning and mobility as well as proper movement when wearing orthotics, braces or splints. Pediatric physical therapy also involves massage training, endurance and mobilization to encourage or increase a child's capabilities and prevent deformities.

Speech and Language Therapy

• According to the Pediatric Therapy Network, the development of communication skills is one of the most important elements to creating valuable relationships. Socializing is a challenge for children when speech and language development is delayed. Pediatric speech and language therapy provides strategies and resources to assist children with comprehensive communication skills when interacting with a parent, sibling, teacher or friend. Speech and language therapy is conducted by a medical specialist called a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists assist children with oral motor skills, voice disorders, receptive and expressive language skills as well as literacy support.

Occupational Therapy

• Pediatric occupational therapy is necessary when children have neuromuscular conditions and congenital and acquired disorders. Pediatric occupational therapists provide specialized services like oral motor skills for lip control, control of tongue and other components for swallowing; perceptual processing for visual closure, spatial relations and body scheme; and daily living activities such as self care, feeding and motor control. Pediatric occupational therapy is used to rehabilitate infants, children and adolescents with conditions such as prematurity, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. Required treatment is determined after the occupational therapist conducts an evaluation.